The Best Daycare Centers in Cabot, VT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cabot. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cabot
Cabot Children's Center
Independent Non-Profit Organization
Cabot Children's Center is a highly-regarded non-profit childcare facility known for its play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Vermont's Early Learning Standards. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with lead teachers holding degrees in Early Childhood Education or related fields. Their program emphasizes outdoor education and nature exploration, utilizing their rural setting with daily outdoor activities in secure play areas. Safety is prioritized with keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The center provides nutritious, locally-sourced meals and maintains strong parent partnerships through daily communication logs and regular developmental assessments.
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The Schoolhouse Learning Center
Independent Childcare Center
Located in nearby Montpelier, The Schoolhouse Learning Center serves families throughout central Vermont including Cabot. The center implements a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach combined with project-based learning, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Their state-licensed teachers maintain certifications in CPR/First Aid and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and a dedicated art studio. Their comprehensive program includes music enrichment, STEM activities, and a focus on social-emotional development. The center is recognized for its inclusive environment and strong community partnerships, with transparent parent communication through regular conferences and digital portfolios.
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Children's Center at Central Vermont Medical Center
Central Vermont Medical Center
This hospital-affiliated childcare center in Barre serves employees and community families from Cabot and surrounding areas. The center offers a research-based curriculum aligned with NAEYC standards, focusing on developmental milestones through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. Staff include early childhood educators with specialized training in health and safety protocols, benefiting from the medical center's resources. The facility features secure access controls, air purification systems, and dedicated sick-child areas. Their program emphasizes health literacy and nutrition education, with meals prepared in an on-site commercial kitchen. Parent satisfaction is high due to flexible scheduling options and robust communication systems including real-time updates through a parent portal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cabot, VT
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Cabot, VT, and how do I find them?
In Cabot, Vermont, licensed childcare primarily comes in two forms: Registered Family Child Care Homes (caring for up to 6 children, often in a provider's residence) and Licensed Centers (larger facilities). Given Cabot's rural setting, Family Child Care Homes are a common and valued option, offering a home-like environment and often more flexible hours. To find licensed providers, your best resource is the State of Vermont's online "Child Care Consumer Education" website, which maintains a searchable, up-to-date database. You can filter by location (Cabot), age of child, and type of care. Additionally, connecting with local networks like the Cabot Community Facebook group or asking at the Cabot School can yield personal recommendations for both licensed and legally operating license-exempt providers.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Cabot, and when should I start looking?
Due to limited provider capacity in a small town like Cabot, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 months to over a year for infants and toddlers, who require lower staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search as early as possible—ideally during the first trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before care is needed. For preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, especially for part-time spots, but starting 6 months in advance is still wise. Proactively contacting providers to get on multiple lists is a standard strategy. Be prepared to pay a waitlist fee, which is typically applied to your first month's tuition if you accept a spot.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Cabot, and what financial assistance programs are available?
In Cabot and surrounding Washington County, full-time childcare costs vary by type and age. For an infant in a Family Child Care Home, you might pay between $175-$225 per week, while a Licensed Center could range from $225-$300+ per week. Costs generally decrease as the child gets older. Vermont offers substantial financial assistance through the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP), administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on family income, household size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Many Cabot families qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce their weekly co-pay. You must apply through the DCF portal, and we recommend applying even if you're unsure of eligibility, as the income thresholds are higher than many expect.
What are Vermont's specific licensing requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify a provider's status?
Vermont has rigorous licensing standards overseen by the Child Development Division (CDD). All licensed providers must pass comprehensive background checks, complete required training in topics like pediatric first aid/CPR, safe sleep practices (for infants), and mandatory reporting, and meet strict health and safety standards for their facilities. They are also subject to unannounced monitoring visits. To verify a provider's license status, compliance history, and any enforcement actions, use the public "Look Up a Child Care Program" tool on the Vermont child care website. This is a critical step for parents. In Cabot, you may also encounter legally operating, license-exempt providers (caring for children from two families besides their own); while they have fewer regulations, it's still important to ask about their safety policies and experience.
Are there any unique childcare options or resources in Cabot that leverage the community or local schools?
Yes, Cabot offers some community-integrated options. The **Cabot School** itself is a key resource. It houses a publicly funded Pre-Kindergarten program for 3-5-year-olds, which can be a cost-effective or even free option for qualifying families. This program often operates on a school-day schedule. For school-age children, the school likely offers an afterschool program. Furthermore, Cabot's strong sense of community means that smaller, informal networks of nanny-sharing or cooperative childcare arrangements among families are more common here than in urban areas. Connecting with other parents through the Cabot Playschool (a parent cooperative preschool with a long history) or local community events can help you discover these more flexible, personalized arrangements that are well-suited to the town's rural character.